Georgia CommonsHouse · Introduced · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HB 146: State holidays; month of April as Black Women's History Month; designate
Last action April 4, 2025 · House Withdrawn, Recommitted
House Bill 146 would designate April as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia, encouraging state and local governments, schools, and businesses to hold events honoring Black women's contributions.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the bill and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
Georgia law currently has no official month recognizing Black women's history. This bill would add a new section to Georgia's holidays and observances law (O.C.G.A. Chapter 4 of Title 1) that designates April each year as 'Black Women's History Month.' The bill includes a set of legislative findings explaining the purpose of the designation, citing Black women's contributions to Georgia in fields such as the arts, science, media, law, government, and education. It then encourages state, county, and municipal government officials and departments, boards of education, schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and citizens to take part in ceremonies, programs, and activities honoring Black women during April. The bill does not create a paid holiday, mandate any specific event, or attach funding; it repeals any conflicting laws and would take effect as a formal observance once enacted.
What the bill does
- Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27) designating April each year as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia.
- Includes legislative findings recognizing Black women's historical and ongoing contributions to Georgia in the arts, science, media, law, government, and education.
- Encourages, but does not require, state and local government offices, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold ceremonies and programs honoring Black women each April.
- Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation.
Who it affects
State, county, and municipal government officials and departments, boards of education, public and private schools, colleges and universities, businesses, and Georgia citizens generally, all of whom are encouraged (not required) to participate in April observances honoring Black women's history.
Why it matters
If enacted, Georgia would formally recognize April as a month dedicated to Black women's history, giving schools, governments, and organizations an official basis to plan related programs and ceremonies. The bill carries no funding, mandates, or penalties, so its main effect is symbolic and educational.
Key provisions
- Section 1 adds new Code section 1-4-27 to Chapter 4 of Title 1, stating legislative findings about Black women's contributions to Georgia and American life.
- Subsection (b) formally designates the month of April each year as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia.
- Subsection (c) encourages (without requiring) government bodies, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold ceremonies and programs during April to honor Black women's contributions.
- Section 2 repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation.
From the bill
“The month of April each year is designated as 'Black Women's History Month' in Georgia.”
“There is a need for public education, awareness, and discourse to address the impacts Black women have had and continue to have on the State of Georgia and all its people.”
Status timeline
- House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
- House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
- House Second Readers (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-92)
- Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
- Edna Jackson (D, HD-165)
- Dewey McClain (D, HD-109)
- Lydia Glaize (D, HD-67)
- Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)
Topics
- Black Women's History Month
- state observances
- Georgia holidays
- education and awareness
- African American history